What is 0.1 mm IPR?
Clinically, 0.1 mm IPR is not possible.
There are no dental tools designed to remove such a small amount of enamel.
In practice, orthodontists only perform:
• 0.3 mm IPR
• 0.5 mm IPR
So if 0.1 mm shows up in the animation, it’s not actual IPR.
Why does 0.1 mm appear in the animation?
Because it’s a digital compensation — a virtual adjustment in the software, not a real procedure.
It appears mainly for two reasons:
1️⃣ Interproximal Space Compensation
If there are small gaps between teeth, or if teeth are digitally reshaped, the software adds 0.1 mm to simulate ideal contacts and prevent visible spaces in the final result.
2️⃣ Contact Management (C-chain refinement)
When teeth are tight, the software may show 0.1 mm space as a virtual way to balance contacts — again, with no clinical IPR performed.⸻
Additional Important Point About Staging
The treatment animation you see right after the case is approved is not the final version.
Initially, the software stages movements automatically, moving all teeth together.
After approval:
• Orthodontists manually stage the case
• Teeth movements are refined step-by-step
• Only at the final stage do true clinical actions appear
Because of this, you may see temporary 0.1 mm values earlier in the animation that disappear in the final stage.
They are simply a by-product of the automated staging process.
Only IPR shown in the final stage matters.
When is real IPR actually required?
Real, clinical IPR will:
✔️ Be clearly noted in the treatment plan or approval email
✔️ Use standard amounts (0.3 mm or 0.5 mm only)
✔️ Remain visible in the final step of the animation
If it is not in the final step and not written in the treatment plan → It is not required clinically
Key Takeaway
• 0.1 mm IPR = digital adjustment only
• 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm = real clinical IPR
• Always check the final stage of the animation to know what’s actually required
If you have any additional questions or concerns, feel free to click here to contact us—we’re here to help!🌟